Grads getting back to the basics

University and college graduates virtually had their pick of jobs upon graduation in recent years as companies competed to court young recruits and offer all sorts of unusual perks. But fast forward to this year and the employment outlook is decidedly more uneasy, says Carol Naylor, manager of career education at University of British Columbia Career Services.

"This year, (students) are coming in with a level of concern and worry that we didn't see to the same degree in other years," says Naylor. "The strategy I'm promoting to students isn't a different strategy, it's just that more students now have to get serious about doing it."

Responding to the reality of the current economy, post-secondary students nearing graduation across Canada are getting back to the basics when preparing for their job searches. They are focusing on the fundamentals of resume writing, interviewing skills, networking, attending career fairs and other ways of getting themselves noticed in a more competitive job market.

"For a new grad, the most important thing they need to gain is experience," says Naylor. "They need to be creative and think about some very different ways, especially in this economy, that they can gain that experience."

It could mean taking a survival job while working an amazing volunteer opportunity or taking a low-level job with a company where greater opportunities could present themselves later on.

Kevin Groh, spokesman for WalMart Canada, says the more balanced labour market works both ways as employers and employees work harder to differentiate themselves. "We've really seen students stepping up to the plate to make sure that they are recognized as an attractive recruit. But we're also doing our best to be seen as an employer of choice."

Wal-Mart, the largest corporation in the world, boasted 10,000 promotions nationwide last year and plans to create 10,000 new jobs this year in Canada through new stores and the expansion of existing stores, says Groh. Wal-Mart has experienced a net benefit from the economic downturn as cost-conscious consumers trim their budgets and look to large discount retailers to help them achieve that.

David Ngo, who graduated from Ryerson University's retail degree program in 2004 and joined WalMart, sees a different attitude among students hitting the job market fresh out of school now.

"During this tough economic time, it's really important to stand out, to show how to apply theoretical and practical lessons they've learned," he says. "If your personality is outgoing, you're willing to do what it takes and you have the desire and drive, then there is no reason why companies like Wal-Mart wouldn't think very highly of you."

After graduating, he started out as an assistant manager in a Wal-Mart store before moving into an inventory analyst role at head office in Mississauga, Ont. A few months ago, he was promoted to merchandise assistant in the company's high-growth foods area of baked goods.

"Working for the world's largest company in the fastest-growing (market) segment and being mentored by the buyer of the year (awarded within Wal-Mart), you can't go wrong," says Ngo.

Becoming an assistant store manager may not have been his long-term goal, but it gave him exposure to all facets of the business before moving around into various roles and eventually landing in the area he wants to pursue.

Naylor, meanwhile, tells students not to give up hope if they don't get an immediate response to job applications. It takes more effort in a down economy, and greater focus.

Whether it's how to shake a hand or having a 30-second commercial about yourself ready to roll for prospective employers, students need to connect with alumni, network as much as possible, be flexible and cast their nets wider in this recession.

"The absolute worst strategy for finding a job is to sit at home in front of your computer going through online job postings waiting for that job to come up that says, 'Wanted: history major,' " says Naylor.

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